Gyutae and the 4/7 Debate

http://gyutaep.blogspot.com/2012/04/response-to-misos-writing-about-47.html#comment-form

"Does true altruism exist?" seems to be the question that you are focusing on. You argue that true altruism cannot exist, that it is only a concept. I think in similar lines, but I don't think it's predetermined either way. You can argue with your examples for intrinsic goodness as well- for example, the drowning man example can be used to argue that intrinsic goodness exists because you still see people who reach out their hands even when they are aware of the dangers. That said, I do not believe that humans are inherently good- the only way we can determine whether we are 'inherently' good or bad is to analyze our actions, and the results of the actions. However, I believe that our actions are more influenced by nurture rather than nature- nature provides the ingredients, but it's nurture that does the cooking.